A Level Music Technology Edexcel

This subject is broken down into 20 topics in 4 modules:

  1. Recording and Production Techniques for Corrective and Creative Purposes 11 topics
  2. Principles of Sound and Audio Technology 6 topics
  3. The Development of Recording and Production Technology 2 topics
  4. Different Genres of Music 1 topics
Study this subject in the Adapt App →
  • 4
    modules
  • 20
    topics
  • 8,108
    words of revision content
  • 1+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

A preview of A Level Music Technology Edexcel in the Adapt app

Adapt is a revision planning app with full content coverage and unlimited past paper questions for 1,200+ GCSE and A Level subjects.

Study this subject in the Adapt app →

Music Technology

Recording and Production Techniques for Corrective and Creative Purposes

Software and Hardware

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

Software and Hardware

Understanding Hardware and Software

Understanding the distinction between hardware and software is crucial. In the simplest terms, hardware refers to the physical devices used in sound production, while software pertains to the programs or applications that allow you to interface with the hardware.

  • Hardware typically encompasses:

    • Microphones
    • Audio interfaces
    • Amplifiers
    • Mixing desks
    • Outboard gear such as compressors, EQ units and reverbs
    • Monitors (Speakers)
    • MIDI controllers and keyboards

  • Software includes:

    • Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) like Ableton Live, Cubase, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and FL Studio
    • Plugins for effects like reverb, EQ, compression, delay and more
    • Virtual instruments or VSTs (Virtual Studio Technology), such as soft synths, drum machines or samplers
    • Audio editing tools like Sound Forge or Audacity
    • Software mixers that emulate the functions of a physical mixing desk.

Signal Path

The signal path is the route a sound takes from its source to the output.

  • This usually goes from the sound source (instrument or voice) to the microphone, then to the audio interface, into the DAW (via ADC conversion), through any processing (effects/plugins), then it’s mixed and mastered within the DAW, and finally returned to the audio interface (via DAC conversion) before reaching the monitors for playback.

Recording Techniques

Knowing and understanding different recording techniques is also essential.

  • Close miking vs. distant miking
  • Mono vs. Stereo recording techniques
  • Different microphone patterns (cardioid, figure of eight, and omnidirectional)
  • The phase relationship between different mics

Digital Audio

Digital audio principles form the basis of all DAWs and most digital recording.

  • Understanding bit depth - this relates to the dynamic range of a recording
  • Understanding sample rate - this relates to the frequency response
  • The Nyquist theorem - it states that a sample rate must be twice the highest frequency one wishes to record
  • Understanding file types and their uses (MP3, WAV, AIFF etc.)

Digital Audio Workstations

Understanding and mastering your chosen DAW is critical.

  • The key features and uses of popular DAWs
  • Basic principles that apply across all DAWs - importing audio, basic editing techniques, arranging on a timeline, using track and mixer controls, etc.
  • MIDI recording and editing
  • Use of EQ, compression, and other effects
  • Techniques for mixing

Use of Effects and Plugins

  • Understand different types of effects - reverb, delay, chorus, flange, compression, EQ, etc.
  • When and why to use them, and how to control their parameters
  • How different effects can be used creatively
  • The difference between insert and send/return effects

By covering these areas thoroughly, one can build a strong foundation of music technology knowledge. Keep revising these concepts and continually practice their application to ensure a comprehensive understanding.

Course material for Music Technology, module Recording and Production Techniques for Corrective and Creative Purposes, topic Software and Hardware

Music Technology

Recording and Production Techniques for Corrective and Creative Purposes

Mastering

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

Mastering

Overview of Mastering

  • Mastering is the final step in audio production aimed at preparing the mix for distribution.
  • It involves refining the mix and ensuring it will sound consistent and high-quality across various playback systems.
  • The process typically includes equalisation, compression, limiting, stereo widening, and sequencing tracks for an album.

Equalisation (EQ)

  • This is the process of adjusting the balance of frequencies within an audio signal.
  • During mastering, unique EQ curves may be applied to correct any imbalances in the frequency spectrum of the mix.
  • This helps achieve a clearer, brighter, and more vibrant sound.

Compression

  • A tool used to control the dynamic range of the audio, or the difference between the loudest and quietest parts.
  • Careful use of compression during mastering can maintain dynamic interest while preventing distortion or imbalance in the overall mix.
  • However, over-compression often leads to a lack of dynamic range, creating a result that sounds too loud and squeezed, known as the "loudness war" effect.

Limiting

  • A form of heavy compression that prevents the audio from exceeding a certain level.
  • This is generally used to increase the overall perceived loudness of the mix.
  • It is important, however, to not overly limit the tracks as it may strip away dynamic depth and detail from the mix.

Stereo Widening

  • This is used to enhance the stereo image of a mix, creating a greater sense of space and depth.
  • This can make certain elements seem wider and more immersive, but it should be used carefully to avoid phasiness or a mix that sounds too thin.

Sequencing

  • Arranging the tracks on an album in the desired order.
  • It is important to consider the flow between tracks, their relative volumes and perceived loudness, and the use of silence or crossfades between tracks.

Dithering

  • This process is used when reducing the bit depth of your audio file.
  • It adds a low level of noise to avoid the distortion that can occur during bit depth reduction.
  • Although often seen as a means to an end, the correct use of dithering is an important aspect of a high-quality master.

Remember that mastering is a combination of both technical necessity and creative enhancement in the service of making a mix sound its best on all playback systems.

Course material for Music Technology, module Recording and Production Techniques for Corrective and Creative Purposes, topic Mastering

Can I trust Adapt’s expertise?

Adapt is already used by over 600,000 students and trusted by over 3,000 schools. Our exam-specific content and assessments are meticulously crafted by expert teachers and examiners.

Find out more about the Adapt app →

Planner

An always up-to-date revision timetable.

A personalised, flexible revision timetable that stays up-to-date automatically.

Content

All the exam resources, in one place.

Over 20,000 topics broken down into manageable lessons with teacher-written, exam-specific lessons.

Assessment

Past-paper questions, with instant feedback.

Unlimited past paper questions with instant examiner feedback on how to improve.

Progress

Track progress, together.

Progress tracking to stay motivated, with real-time updates to the Parent Portal.

Download the app today to start revising for free.